2018 NBA Mock Draft: Full two-round, postseason mock

Another unexpected one-and-done, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became the top prospect on a Kentucky team always loaded with talent. Gilgeous-Alexander enjoyed tremendous success in a high-usage, lead ball-handler role at Kentucky. He’s a quality defender with great length for his position at 6’6″ with a 6’10” wingpsan. His ability to change speeds helps him get into the lane and he is an underrated playmaker.

Even though Shai played in such a high-usage role constantly handling the ball at Kentucky, he probably projects better as a secondary ball-handler. He should fit in well next to a ball-dominant Lou Williams. His potential to succeed in the league is highly dependent on the development of his shooting consistency, both pulling up and off the catch, along with working on his extremely skinny frame. If both of those elements improve, Alexander should be able to become a productive starter.

Zhaire Smith is NBA Draft Twitter royalty and I might hate myself for buying in. There’s easy athletic and defensive appeal with Smith though. His progression over his freshman season at Texas Tech as been phenomenal as well. A quality team defender, explosive leaper and a multi-positional defender, Smith has a lot of quality traits to bank on.

The Denver Nuggets select Smith because their wing spot is rather depleted, and they need quality defenders. Smith will get spot minutes immediately because of his defensive value. He is just so far away from having NBA skill offensively. He shot 45 percent this year from the 3-point line. Unfortunately, he only attempted just over one per game, but I do believe in his shooting development, even with his unorthodox shot. The Nuggets get a quality wing, lead ball-handler defender, and possibly a future Slam Dunk Contest champion.